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Committee advances plan for a 'yellow alert' task force after survivor’s testimony
Summary
Rep. Norris introduced House File 1597 to create a yellow‑alert task force to improve law enforcement response to serious hit‑and‑run crashes; survivor Alexis Stefani described her crash and urged action. The committee voted to re‑refer the bill to the General Register.
Representative Norris introduced House File 1597 and described the proposal to form a task force to study and recommend a statewide yellow‑alert system for serious hit‑and‑run crashes — modeled on Amber Alerts used for abductions. He told the committee the idea has support from MnDOT and the Department of Public Safety and that the fiscal note shows no net cost for the task‑force approach.
Alexis Stefani testified about the hit‑and‑run crash she survived, describing a severe driver impact that left her with head injury and months of recovery and noting that the driver was not prosecuted. She said the absence of a timely, coordinated alert system contributed to a lack of accountability and urged lawmakers to create yellow alerts to help law enforcement locate suspects and prevent future harm.
Committee members expressed personal familiarity with hit‑and‑run consequences and supported the bill. The sponsor modified the committee motion so House File 1597 (as amended) will be re‑referred to the General Register for further consideration.
